About the Issue
We’re thrilled to present our eNewsletter readers a first look at one of the brand’s hottest tool launches of the year in this issue as we introduce you to the Dremel® Saw-Max™. As we head back to school and into one of the biggest DIY seasons of the year, we’re taking the opportunity to teach you about a new rotary tool attachment, share a new project video featuring DIY expert Chip Wade and give away a Dremel Pumpkin Carving Kit to prepare for our Pumpkin Carving Challenge.

The new Dremel Saw-Max is reinventing cutting as consumers know it. This revolutionary compact, handheld saw allows users to easily make precise, clean and straight cuts in a wide variety of materials using compact cutting wheels. Whether cutting custom patio stones or laminate flooring, the Dremel Saw-Max’s easy-to-use features and compact, ergonomic design make virtually any cutting application a breeze.

While circular saws can be bulky and hard to use, the new Dremel Saw-Max is just one-third the size and weight of the traditional saw, enabling easy, one-handed cuts and detailed work in tight spaces. The new tool also offers a versatile system of cutting wheels that are quick to change and offer the ability to make straight, plunge or flush cuts up to 3/4-inch deep. These new cutting wheels allow DIYers to tackle cutting through a variety of tough materials, including wood, plastic, laminate and drywall, or even sheet metal and wall and floor tiles.

The Dremel Saw-Max adds enhanced cutting depth and control, making it perfect for applications such as installing baseboards and trim, replacing flooring, remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, repairing a roof and installing wire shelving. The Dremel Saw-Max also offers more depth of cut than a rotary tool, three times the power of the highest rated Dremel rotary tool and has a stable base for optimal control, making it the new go-to cutting tool for DIYers, woodworkers, hobbyists and crafters alike.

The Dremel Saw-Max will be available beginning in mid-October 2011 at most hardware and home improvement centers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $129.99 USD and $139 CAD.

Feature StoryDremel Saw-Max: An Inside Look

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Dremel product manager John Holba guides users through the Dremel Saw-Max’s new features

For more insight on the Dremel brand’s October tool release, we sat down with Dremel product manager John Holba to discuss the Dremel Saw-Max’s advanced capabilities and top new features.

Dremel: Why did the Dremel brand decide to create the Dremel Saw-Max? John Holba: We felt that there was room for improvement when it came to current cutting tool options: hand tools, full-size circular saws or using a rotary tool with a cutting wheel. Full-size circular saws can be very intimidating and are big and bulky for a lot of cuts needed in and around the home, and a Dremel rotary tool has a limited depth of cut for many larger scale projects.

D: How is the Saw-Max different from other handheld saws?JH: The Saw-Max is very easy to use, less intimidating and more versatile. Because the tool can be managed with just one hand, the user can see the cut line while the tool is in use, making it significantly easier to use than a handheld saw. The tool is also less intimidating because it doesn’t use toothed wheels that are prone to kickback, making it safer for users as well. Instead of toothed wheels, the Saw-Max uses various abrasive grits to cut a wide variety of materials like wood, drywall, plastic, metal, tile, and concrete pavers.

Additionally, other handheld tools or stationary saws require additional storage, are not as versatile and require set-up time before the user can even begin cutting. Most users don’t want to spend 5-10 minutes setting up a cut that takes only seconds to complete.

D: What is one application consumers have been surprised that this tool can tackle?JH: I think many are surprised that the Saw-Max can handle cutting 2x4 lumber with the SM600 Multi-Purpose Cutting Wheel. Although the Saw-Max cannot cut through a 2x4 with a single cut, Dremel has a quick and easy SM842 Saw-Max™ 2 x 4 Cutting Guide that helps make a cut on the top and bottom of the work piece. If you only need to cut a couple of 2x4 pieces for a project, this is a perfect option to complete the cut. Other great cutting applications include baseboard trim, stepping stones for a patio, wire shelving, aluminum tubing, conduit and even precision tile demolition.

D: Tell us about the development of the SM840 Miter Guide.JH: Today people need to choose between using a miter box and a hand saw, or an expensive bench top miter saw. The SM840 Miter Guide is a great addition to the Dremel Saw-Max system because it allows users to use the tool to make precise miter, bevel and straight cuts while cutting baseboard, door and window trim, or even while making a picture frame. The guide is also very compact and easy-to-use, so it’s an excellent complimentary addition to the tool.
D: If Dremel fans already have a Dremel cutting tool like the Dremel Trio, why is it beneficial to have the Dremel Saw-Max as well?JH: Where the Dremel Trio excels at curved and intricate cuts (as well as sanding and routing), the Saw-Max is excellent for common straight cuts. The Saw-Max quickly and easily makes short and long straight cuts, in addition to being an excellent option for cutting curved materials like pipe, wire shelving or dowel rod and tough materials like floor tile or pavers.

D: What’s your favorite aspect of the new tool?JH: Definitely its compactness and ease of use. It’s great to finally have a compact saw that I can leave out on my workbench and quickly grab to cut a variety of materials. Typically with a circular saw, because it’s so big and bulky, I’ll have to cut work pieces on my garage floor or set up saw horses in order make common cuts. The Saw-Max makes these quick cuts easier than ever.

I also love using the new SM600 Multi-Purpose Cutting Wheel with the Dremel Saw-Max. This accessory is very unique and adds versatility to the tool by allowing the user to complete flush cuts and bevel cuts with the tool on its side using the Miter Cutting Guide and 2x4 Cutting Guide.

What’s New at DremelA550 Shield Attachment

Dremel A550 Shield Attachment

When cutting, sanding, grinding or polishing tough materials with a Dremel rotary tool, it’s not uncommon for sparks and debris to be produced, which can be a nuisance. To combat this issue, the Dremel brand is releasing the new A550 Shield Attachment this October to better protect users while using their Dremel rotary tools. This new attachment works to redirect sparks and debris caused from various applications, thus increasing comfort while using the tool and making tough projects an easier feat.

The A550 Shield Attachment’s compact size and clear construction allow the user to maintain full visibility while using their tool without interfering with the work piece. This is especially beneficial when cutting metal materials such as screws, nuts and bolts, sharpening a garden tool or removing rust as these applications typically produce a lot of sparks and debris.

Additionally, the new attachment has an easy-to-use spring friction design, allowing for quicker adjustments and accessibility to the accessory. This can also be helpful when using grinding stones on metal or cleaning a battery with a brass brush.

The new A550 Shield Attachment will be available beginning in October 2011 at most hardware and home improvement centers nationwide for an SRP of $14.99.

Featured ProjectInstall New Laminate Flooring

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Dremel Saw-Max cutting laminate flooring

According to a recent nationwide survey of 500 homeowners, one of the top reasons Americans choose to tackle DIY projects this year is to replace worn out materials like old flooring. Using the new Dremel Saw-Max with the SM500 Multi-Purpose Cutting Wheel, home improvement expert and national TV personality Chip Wade shows homeowners how to give a room a quick and easy makeover by installing new laminate flooring in no time.

Step two: Mark laminate flooring to size of the needed piece, using multiple marks to ensure a straight line is achieved.

Step three: Clamp the flooring piece to the workbench or other steady surface to ensure the piece remains stationary.

Step four: Attach the SM500 Cutting Wheel to the Dremel Saw-Max tool.

Step five: Cut across the piece of flooring, following the marks you made on the piece.

Step six: Place the cut piece in the appropriate spot on the floor and install on subfloor as required.

Want to get additional project advice from Wade? Visit the Dremel Facebook page and leave a comment on our wall – Chip will be stopping by to weigh in.

Giveaways/PromotionsDremel Pumpkin Carving Challenge and a Chance to Win

Pumpkin carving made easy with the Dremel Pumpkin Carving Kit

This year, the Dremel brand is partnering with The Home Depot to give pumpkin carvers everywhere a chance to show off their skill. Halloween enthusiasts can visit the Pumpkin Carving Challenge Facebook page now through October 31 to submit their best pumpkin carving creation and vote on other creations that have been submitted, in addition to downloading fun pumpkin carving templates and viewing last year’s entries. Check out Facebook.com/PumpkinCarvingChallenge to learn more!

To build excitement for the program and encourage you, our devoted Dremel fans, to enter yourselves, we’re giving away a Dremel Pumpkin Carving Kit this month. Whether a regular jack-o-lantern face or a highly detailed scary black cat, we want to know your favorite pumpkin design. Send us your one-sentence answer in the body of an e-mail along with your name, shipping address (no P.O. boxes) and home phone number with “Pumpkin Carving” in the subject line. We’ll pick five winners at random to receive a Dremel Pumpkin Carving Kit and announce their names next month.